Exceptional Students | Special Education

Who Are School Psychologists?

School psychologists help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.  They collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students that strengthen connections between home and school.
 
School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education. They are certified by the state of Georgia and may also be nationally certified.

 
What is the function of the School Psychologist?

School psychologists work to find the best solutions for each student and situation; they use different strategies to address student needs and to improve school and district-wide support systems.
 
School psychologists work with students individually and in groups.  They develop programs to assist teachers and parents with effective teaching and learning strategies, techniques to manage behavior at home and in the classroom, and work with students with disabilities or special talents.  They also assist in preventing and managing crises.
 
School psychologists collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems as well as strengthen working relationships between teachers, parents, and service providers. 
 
School psychologists evaluate eligibility for special services, assess academic skills and aptitude for learning, and determine social-emotional development and mental health status. 

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Leslie Merritt (Department Head)
lmerritt@effingham.k12.ga.us
Blandford Elementary School*

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Kim Fulcher
kfulcher@effingham.k12.ga.us
Effingham County Middle School, Springfield Elementary School*

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Heather Kelly
hkelly@effingham.k12.ga.us
Marlow Elementary School*, South Effingham Middle School

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Kristy Lanier
klanier@effingham.k12.ga.us
Guyton Elementary School*, Effingham County High School

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Stacy Stinner
sstinner@effingham.k12.ga.us
South Effingham Elementary School*, South Effingham High School, enCompass

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Susan Westphal
swestphal@effingham.k12.ga.us
Rincon Elementary School*, Babies Can't Wait 

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Beth Vance
bvance@effingham.k12.ga.us
Sand Hill Elementary School*, PSI

*denotes home school